A Huddersfield University student is to gain worldwide recognition for her art work.
Natalie Williamson, 31, has been accepted to showcase her designs at a leading exhibition in New York, called Surtex, from May 17 to 19, even though she has not yet finished her degree.
Hundreds of buyers will now have the chance to get their hands on her retro patterns, which have been realised on homewares and cards.
She got the placement after setting up her own design company several months ago, called Natalie Williamson Designs, while in her placement year.
It is a great success for lifelong Huddersfield resident and surface pattern and graphic designer Natalie, who has managed to build up her business, create new contacts and opportunities while bringing up her three year old daughter, Ava.
Beforehand, she studied at Huddersfield Grammar School and Greenhead College, and then went on to work Leeds head office of fashion chain Republic, where she worked alongside designers in her role as online PR and social media executive, which led to her beginning to contribute designs of her own.
She said: “My design work took off when was on maternity leave and began to design and produce bespoke invitation cards, which I sold online.
“Then I decided to look for a university course to develop my skills and was accepted onto the course at Huddersfield.”
Natalie also sought out help from industry leaders, by taking part in courses online.
She realises all her designs on computers, which are based on traditional hand drawings.
Natalie said: “They have the aesthetics and typography of the 1950s and 1980’s, which have been a major influence in my work.
“Basically, I design happy surface patterns, for happy people.”
Natalie will be one of 1,000 artists who will vie to secure deals with around 5,500 buyers and manufacturers from around the world.
